And may it be full of wonder...
2011? Mine is pretty mapped out in some ways, but so unknown. I learned some important lessons in 2010, and like all lessons, some came at quite a cost. However, I am heading into this year with positivity and hope. What do I need to get me through this year? There's always things we need to hang onto, and mine are music, friends and family - funny, because in my world, the three things often intertwine, and the edges are blurred - well, that's fine. I'd hate to be specific!
I remain, through all - a 'determined little fruit', and it is that tenacity that will keep me going when I get tired or lose my focus. It happens eh?
So, what of the music then?
I am delighted to say that in the past couple of weeks, I have completed 2 projects. The soundtrack for the animated movie is now done - just needs mastering. It was a tough one, because of it's 'horror' theme, which is not my bag at all, so I decided to avoid the cliche low strings, diminished chords, and instead explored ways that one can manipulate the recorded voice in order to create suspense. Every sound on the movie is made by either my voice or Oscar & Ellen; but you wouldn't know. I played around with such glorious effects as pitch shifters, and ring modulators and other logic gadgets that spin and warp and delay the sound to a whole new environment. For example; I ran a delay on a short intake of breath, which (unintentionally, I admit) made it sound like an echoing heartbeat. Nice.
So that's 2 projects ticked off...
Chroma. Ah yes. I have lived and breathed Chroma over the Christmas break. I now have 4 movements completed! In fact, the running time of the whole piece is supposed to be 8 minutes, and I have closer to 12, but that can be amended and edited after the workshop with the musicians - which is not until the week of the performance, but I'm sure Gary will give me some advice on that when I see him on Tuesday anyway. After some perseverance, I managed to get hold of the Chinese artist Cao Jingping, who's painting I used as the inspiration for the composition. I have taken elements of the picture, entitled 'Shadows of Trees on Sunny Water', as the different movements. So there's 'Shapes in the Water', which explores the overlapping range of the violin and alto flute. 'Covered Walkways', in which I drew the image of the bridge on manuscript paper and used the resulting pitches as my reference material for the piano. This is 'covered' by interlocking themes in the flute and clarinet. 'Sunlight and Shadows' uses all 4 instruments, with the violin 'shadowing' the other parts. I used a contemporary 'cut out' style score which took bloody hours to achieve in Sibelius, but it now looks just as I want it to, which is great. 'The Crane' is a movement for solo bass clarinet, using harmonics and maybe just a wee touch of jazz (oh, I couldn't help myself!) - the bass clarinet is so juicy!
Oh, I got distracted - yes, I tracked down Cao Jingping through an art gallery in Beijing, and emailed him of my project. He sent me a beautiful reply, saying that he is delighted that I have found music in his art, and is most happy for me to use the title of his painting as the title for my piece. He also sent me an article from a Beijing newspaper about the way that he works, and it was so spiritual. He employs Taoist principles in his visualisation of the world, saying that the way the camera and digital media view the world is not the way it really is to experience and view a place.
I am delighted to have his support for my project, and will send him a copy of the score and a recording of the concert once it is done.
Rafal. I sent the first drafts of the accordion piece to Rafal just before Christmas, and have some great feedback from him. Now that Chroma is nearly there, I want to turn my attention to Rafal's piece - I'm going to spend some time on that in a minute. It's called 'Wycieczka', which is Polish for 'journey'. Seemed appropriate given the massive journey I am on. Yer, looking forward to getting on with that one.
Last, but not least, is my collaboration with Tiff, the choreographer. She's a gem, and we had a great afternoon together this week putting some ideas in place. I'll talk more about that next time...some mathematical undertone already creeping into this piece. Ooh!
ouch; I just remembered the MAX MSP piece for Chris Redgate. I'm still freaked by that program. Best get to it then...
Well, I wish you a happy and interesting year, or even week eh? Let's take things a little at a time!
xxx
I friend of mine facebooked me this week and asked how nice it must be to be at the end of term. Well, I guess I'm not commuting, but the pressure is heavy as tescos birthday cakes!
It is nice to be home for a while. Especially in this bizarre siberian weather. My little car, which has been so loyal, broke down today :( The RAC reckoned about a 5 hour wait, and suggested I try to get the kids home. Poor OJ has been poorly this week anyway, so we set off into the cold. Randomly, we stumbled across some carol singers, and a kindly priest offered to take us home. Now that's nice. Oscar got so cold, he was coughing like a loon, and when we got out the car, poor little chap was sick, just from coughing. Hot chocolate, manuka honey, bath and cuddles soon straightened him out, but my stress levels were through the roof! However, the new 'healthier' me, opted for a fresh mint tea to calm the nerves, which worked a treat.
Anyway; of the music? It's hard not to get overwhelmed, but I figure the best thing to do is write music. It gets me out of my head, and gets me closer to achieving my goals, so it's a double whammy. I am really glad to have found a time management technique that works well for me - I set my iphone timer to 25 minutes, and will not do anything except write in that time. Then I have a 5-10 minute break, where I do things like write this blog, or send an email, or check my receding bank balance! It's great. if I can get 4 or more of those in a day, I see real progress.
So here's the lay of the land;
Chroma ensemble piece - 8 minutes, due Jan
Accordion piece for Rafal - sketches asap
Animation project - due 6 Jan
Choreographer Collaboration - due 13 Feb
Oboe piece using live electronics -due 3 Feb
New projects coming up in Jan...phew
Plus gigs; choir, christmas, NYE, new solo performance venue 6 Feb. Blahblah.
Teaching is done until 5 Jan. That's a good thing!
My Chroma piece is based on a piece of contemporary Chinese art 'Shadows of Trees on Sunny Water' by Cao Jingping - taking different elements of the textures as influences for the musical material, which is working well here. It occurred to me last night, that Cao Jingping might like to know what I'm up to, so I sent an email to an art gallery inBeijing, who are currently exhibiting his work, to see if they can put me in touch with him. I hope he gets in touch. Would just be interesting...
Oh - the music theatre piece went down a storm. The snow finally abated on the Saturday, and I was able to get up to London for the performance. Fancy the first time you ever hear the music the you wrote being played at the performance! It was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I have had ever! Luckily, it worked though. The singers were pleased as punch, and the trumpet player said he loved the muted trumpet part. Generally, great feedback. Crikey - what a trip!
LVP completely rocked out at Lauderdale house last week. Class gig! We had Tim Whitehead guesting on sax (we sung one of his compositions), Kenny Wheeler was there (we sung a few of his compositions), the lovely Nikki Iles trio backing us up (Yi, we sung one of Nikki's too!)
It was just a beautiful vibe in the room.
Can't wait til Sunday's gig at the 606. All our classic tunes. Will be a riot! (Oh please don't let the silly snow stop me from getting there)
Next year's performance of the Jon Hendricks vocalese for choir over Miles Ahead (Gil Evans), has been confirmed - Jon has asked us to all get a copy of the album and listen to it every day before we go to bed, and first thing in the morning. So I am. I put it on when I go to bed - think I'll have the first 3 tracks sorted, but might never get to hear the rest; am usually so exhausted by the time I finally turn in! There is a version of Nature Boy on there. My fave song of all time - I sing it to OJ every night, bless my little man.
Okey dokey - I've oer-run my 10 minute break, so it's back to work for me, next 25 minutes going on the clock...
Merry Christmas one and all.
Ding Dong Merrily on high :)
x
Well, it is a little premature for me to be 'summing up' the term, with still 2 days to go. But it seems like the weather might have re-defined my life this week, and it seems pretty unlikely that I'll be making it into the academy any day soon.
It's in some way, a blessing, because the madness was getting a little out of hand. I was chasing my tail, feeling that I was one step behind all the way. Not having time to see the people I should see; I only had 20 minutes with the talented Jonathan, conductor; but I will be seeing him in January for sure. Spending too much time with people I shouldn't see; ah the wolves at my door! and just getting a little overwhelmed really.
I had 2 gigs on Saturday. It's funny, because the first one was (in my mind), a low profile xmas launch shopping centre gig. Solo piano / vox, 11.30-4.30. I should have spent more time going through my xmas tunes, but time was not on my side. So I turned up to the gig, looking pretty, but totally unprepared! I had borrowed a book of 'carol praise' from my student Adam, and figured I'd be tinkling in the background, do a bit of xmas sight reading, and noodle my way through some jazz...cool.
When I arrived, and there was a beautiful Steinway Grand set up in high profile on a stage (I kid you not!), I wished I'd done more preparation!
But I guess in the end, you can't replace experience, and I played well (thanks Steinway), and sung some great tunes. I guess you might say I rose to the occasion. Which I am quite proud of really.
when I came back from a break, Santa (who was set up opposite the piano), said 'look on your stool' - and there was a single white rose, with a note simply saying "like an angel". How cute is that? (especially as my angelic qualities are not my most prominent!!!)
I shared the gig with a ballon modelling elf and 2 ice people. 1 on stilts, 1 ground level doing contact juggling with crystal balls.
Now, I had some pre-conceptions about these acts, but they were blown away on the day. the professionalism and quality of the work they delivered was outstanding, and I was quite enamoured with their talents. I might be slightly miffed that the ballon modelling elf demanded a higher price than me, but I guess that's part of being a musician. Peace beyond passion and all that.
Then I went on to a wedding in the evening with Tim, Steve, Alex and the nice drummer (?), which was cool, but a mf of a get in. Oh loving your beautiful wedding venue with bridges over water to get in....but not with 2 keyboards and a PA at -2 degrees MF! Plus, it was that standard wedding blah. Running late, saying the right words, but not really giving a shit. Still, I had a nice gig, and got to hang out with my muso buddies, which was cool. Was a late night tho ;)
I have missed too much this week due to external influences. It's a bummer. Should have been at LVP extended rehearsal on Monday evening, but couldn't get into town because of tube strikes. Then I missed Tuesday because of snow. Drove in a circle trying to get home and ended back at Crystal Palace afterall. I guess I just couldn't get away!! 5 hours to get nowhere? Well, time to think is an environment that often eludes me, so I guess it was invaluable in some ways (would have been better if I hadn't needed a wee!) I didn't really want to stay out on Tuesday night, but the only place I could get to was Alex's, so there I went. At least it was warm. I watched a movie - now that's a proper treat! i couldn't concentrate on work, so in the end, I stopped pretending to work, and took the chill time for what it was.
Was glad to get home today and pick up my kids and have some normal time together. it's snowing hard, so I guess it sledges and hot chocolate tomorrow. So much for the composer. Tomorrow I am mum, and that will be nicer and less complicated than all the other things I have been this week!
I have started on my chroma composition tho, and am making headway into my accordion piece, so i"m still doing it, despite the world!
Nunight people. Tra la la xxx
No.1...I've completed my orchestration. Thank goodness for that. I was starting to think that it was going to remain elusive for the rest of my living days!
No.2...I went to London yesterday to a 'champagne reception' and talk / music with the astounding Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. His horn quintet (I am sure it has a better name, but for now that'll do!), was conducted by Jonathan Mann - academy conductor. Class job J man! I took him to one side at the end, and asked for his help with conducting. As part of my course, we are taking a class in orchestration and conducting. Now - nothing yet has been 'comfortable', but conducting??? the last thing I conducted was the school orchestra when I was 14 - and they made me stand on a chair because I was too small to be seen by the backline...Aah, nothing changes, except that I now have a collection of fine 6" heels, which may do the job as well as any grey school chair! However - leading a shit hot ensemble in contemporary music? So glad I've met Jonathan. We're having coffee Thursday lunchtime; he says he'll show me the basics. (I wonder if he knows just how basic that is!!!)
2.2; met Colin - Max's partner. he was lovely. Showed me lots of pics of where they live in Orkney. Then invited me up to visit! Ah yes, a weekend with Max n Colin, and maybe little red wine? Sounds good to me!
No.3..serendipity. I was on my way home, for the 'early night'...10.32 from Victoria...all good. Until I bumped into a fellow musician and virtual stranger on the station. Daniel was on his way to Ronnie Scotts to see Jon Hendricks (whom I was supposed to be in a masterclass with this week, but couldn't make, because of a tragic timetable clash). He said 'come'...I said 'no...I must work'...
so then we're at Ronnies. I got in by luck, some American visitors had a spare ticket, and more than kindly invited me to join them or the evening. So I Did! Funny how life pans out huh?
They would not even consider letting me pay for my ticket, and shared their Tattinger champagne with me, while we watched the king of vocalise do his thing.
No.4...Pete was there too (king of jazz, light shiner on my world)..and introduced me to James (boss of Ronnies). He said how much he loves LVP, and that he wants us to sing there!
Ronnie Scotts. LVP. Max, Colin, Orkney. My friend Jules, My children.
My friend Oz, for percussion advice at any time of night.
My friend Hollie, who is going to crack the smoking thing!
My choir
My family
My sanity
welcome to my world...
It's kinda fun!
Nunight friends x
And so, my tumble into the abyss was not so bad afterall...
Did I mention that my tutor asked me to orchestrate my music theatre piece (When I hit the street) without any 'musical' aids? No piano, no sibelius, just me and my pencil (and rubber, bien sur!), and a big pile of manuscript paper.
Hmm.
Thing is; I did a whole undergrad degree in which my music was abstract. Dots on the page, but never on the music stand (except my jazz pieces, which I performed, and my big band piece). One of things that freaks me out, is the musicians who are going to take my dots and turn them into sound. They are all class, and most of them 'top class'. It's a pressure, you know...the 'big, wide world' thing.
So..picture this, if you will.. 20 pages of A3 manuscript; 1 vocal part, 1 gaping score. 16 musicians and a load of musical theatrics men ready to sing, with heart and soul, the words of these 'tortured' prisoners.
No pressure then?!
I've had a ball, writing this stuff. Orchestrating by ear, by heart and by theory...
So I took it to Gary today; and you know what? He likes it!
Some nips and tucks, but it's all there.
So tonight, I had an evening off. Spoke to my kids, who make me proud and happy every day. Saw my brother, who is my special fave. Spoke to Jules, who is my princess, and did my very best to be strong without my people here...Alex, Oj, Nel....it's so quiet. But not lonely...so I'll be okay I guess.
the world spins, and a daily question?... my own place within this madness...well, don't we all?
Nunight friends xxx
Oh my. I swear it's getting crazier in here!
I'm having the most amazing time at the academy, but it is certainly taking a little bit of me with it.
The problem really is time. I simply don't have enough of it. Now, I am a pretty disciplined person, but despite my best efforts, there are times when it simply seems more important to vacuum the stairs than to orchestrate my music theatre piece. Or that I simply have to have fresh peppermint for my tea if I am to work effectively. Or that tragic right hand, that reaches out for the mouse and of its own volition, finds its way to the facebook time vacuum!
I have not turned the tv on since summer. So at least that's something. And, you know what, I probably spend as much time as anyone else on the work / distraction quota. But I'm pretty hard on myself, and when the kids are here, there simply are things that have to be done (especially cuddles!) Ah, the balance eludes me.
Have had some great musical moments this week tho. My music theatre short score is done and submitted, and I've done a scratch recording of it, which is great. I have discovered that I prefer to orchestrate with pencil and paper, and in fact, since I saw Gary on Tuesday, he has encouraged me to do only that; to develop my 'inner ear'. So I've got a big fat A3 canvas to fill in. It's a pretty big ensemble...wish me luck! Have 1 week to get it done. I keep hearing that countdown musical theme; it's my current, and frustrating ear-worm. Running round and round my 'inner ear'...I reckon that once my piece is completed, if you listen carefully, there just might be a moment when you hear the countdown theme sneaking into the clarinets...!
Orchestration class is starting to make a little sense; I don't feel like a complete retard anymore, which is good. We are gong to the 'wand shop' tomorrow; off to buy our batons! Hurrah. Mine shall be made with the feather of a phoenix, and the orchestra will obey my every whim!
I had a lovely outing with my friend Jules. We had a moment of culture at the tate modern. It was a great experience, and it was just lovely to hang out with my buddy...I don't get much time for things like that. Mwah the Jules.
I find myself drawn to the composition of new material for instruments with less repertoire. Basically the accordion and the bassoon. The thing is, that I am in a place where the best players in the world are happy to sit with you and show you their instrument, and talk about the details of playing style and application. My first collaboration will be with Rafal Luc, who is the most amazing accordion player, and is showing me around this fascinating and complex instrument. On Tuesday, I had an accordion lesson, and to play it was such a great idea. Now I have a feel for the workings of it, and can't wait to get writing. (the only thing was that his accordion is really big...and I am really small. It was comedy!)
So next week, it's LVP, Roehampton dance, Chroma ensemble, Music theatre orchestration, MAX MSP, too much coffee, and less distractions.
Maybe coffee with my bro, and dinner with Jules?...well, we all need a break sometime...x
So, the plot thickens...will she possibly make the deadlines that are looming so large? Can she ever immerse herself into a world of contemporary classical craziness to such an extent that writing in that style is not faked or forced?
John Williams writes 9-5 every day. He aims to complete between 30 seconds to 2 minutes of music in that time. I was shitting myself with the '3 weeks to compose 8 minutes' deadline for Chroma that arrived in my inbox on Friday.
In isolation, it might be possible. Coupled with orchestrating my music theatre piece, recording and composing a soundtrack for the 'Horripilation' animated short, planning the piece for the Roehampton dance project...oh my, I can't complete the list; it's exhausting!
Anyway, have a lot on my plate. An awful lot ;)
Went to see my friend Gary this afternoon. Laid my fears in his lap. He is the lamb, and has mended my temporary tilt into beyond stress. He phoned Phil (head of composition), and has delayed my Chroma piece until the second deadline, which gives me a couple of extra weeks. There is light!
Then he showed me the delights of scoring in logic. Simply blows the socks off sibelius in certain areas. So that's my ticket for now...score the music theatre piece in logic, research suitable styles and instrumentation techniques for Chroma. Await the imminent arrival of the storyboard for animation project. Learn Jon Hendricks arrangements for LVP ready for the masterclass on 19 Nov. Get my soft head around MAX MSP.
A little aside is a new collaboration with Rafal. Yr 4 accordion player. He is amazing! Polish dude, prize winning player and up for new music. Accordion is another step beyond my comfort zone (maybe I just don't have a comfort zone at this level?!!). Spent a happy hour or more in the library with Rafal today looking at scores and analysing the good and bad elements of scores. There is a market for this music. I am certainly going to explore this area...and if I can do it with one of the best players in the world?...well, who wouldn't?
Funny thing is. I'm happy. I'm doing it. My kids came to school with me on Friday (their half term, of course, not mine). They were golden. Took them for dinner at Hayes Galleria....we have some super adventures Oj, Nel and me, and if I ever worry that they do not get the best of me, I try to think of our adventures; and there are so many! I know I'm not the text book mother figure, but I am 3 dimensional, and I love to have fun, so it's not so bad I think, being my child. How many children have been backstage in many London venues, have sung with Cleo Laine? (OJ?!), have hung out at the Royal Academy of Music? Have met Mr. Bobby Mc Ferrin, Mr. Peter Churchill, Mr. Simon Bainbridge? Bless my people. They keep me real, and they are always up for a hug. {{{MWAH}}}
Nunight then. Sweet dreams x
Oh, I got distracted - yes, I tracked down Cao Jingping through an art gallery in Beijing, and emailed him of my project. He sent me a beautiful reply, saying that he is delighted that I have found music in his art, and is most happy for me to use the title of his painting as the title for my piece. He also sent me an article from a Beijing newspaper about the way that he works, and it was so spiritual. He employs Taoist principles in his visualisation of the world, saying that the way the camera and digital media view the world is not the way it really is to experience and view a place. 
